Researchers Discover the First 'Heart Attack' Gene

jimi1283 writes "A group of researchers recently conducted a study on 100 members of a family that had a high percentage of heart attack and other coronary disease. The study lead to the discovery of the gene responsible."

Comments

Re:Never a single gene

[Smidge204]

From the article you probably didn't read:

The gene makes a protein that regulates some other genes and Topol said those will now be analyzed to see if they can be linked generally to heart disease.

So no, it's probably not just that gene, but in general it seems the problem starts from here and cascades down.

I'm not a biologist, but I think until they've mapped out every single gene and know exactly what it does, it might be wise to refain from words like "never" and "always". :)
=Smidge=

Re:Gene knowledge has an ugly impact on ethics

[Viadd]

Ethics and public policty really can't handle this type of knowledge on who can get what disease after exposure to common environmental factors or habits.

If my genetic test shows that the cyanide in almonds can cause me lung damage, and somebody else's test shows that the aflatoxin in peanuts will cause her liver damage, then I'll eat peanuts and she'll eat almonds and everyone will have a healthy, nut-enhanced existence.

The argument for ignorance says that we should ban genetic testing, criminalize peanuts and almonds, and have everyone just eat tofu. If that happens, and I can't get genetic testing to see what is and is not healthy for me, I'll be forced to buy mixed nuts of dubious origin from the local nut-house and die coughing my lungs out in the gutters of Squirrel Alley.

This is not hyperbole. The health fascists are trying to ban peanuts in various public places (because some people have allergies) and have everyone go on a low-salt diet, even though most people (even most people with high blood pressure) don't have sodium-sensitive hypertension.